Caunce for concern – but then a fightback

ORMSKIRK skipper Nicky Caunce praised his side’s character after they fought back with the ball to overcome Colwyn Bay last weekend.

The Liverpool & District Competition champions – who have now won 18 of their last 19 games in all competitions – were bowled out for for 153 in Wales but came away with a 26-run victory.

Colwyn Bay bowler Paul Jenkins put Ormskirk’s usually solid batting line-up to the sword as he bagged figures of 5-52 from 16 overs and Caunce was unhappy with the manner of his side’s collapse.

“We were 90-2 when Alex got out. To then be 98-6 is unacceptable with our group of players but it happens sometimes and you have to accept it,” he said. “We could have done a lot better with the bat.

“You’re always going to be concerned when you’ve only got 150 on the board but we said before we went out, bowl our areas and if we got quick wickets before they got 100 anything could happen.”

Ormskirk immediately had Colwyn Bay on the ropes with two early wickets from Scott Lees before Tom Hartley continued his good form with a five-for of his own. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals – with Alex Mason also picking up three late victims – and their strength showed as Bay were bowled out for 127 inside 45 overs.

“They were 90-6 at one stage but obviously we knew if we kept pushing we could get it over the line and that happened,” Caunce added. “It’s a great result in the scheme of things.

“It’s about how you fight your way out of tough situations and show your mental strength. The character of the team showed once again last weekend.

“We’ve come a long way since the start of the season to fight our way back and get the result.

“The bowlers have helped us two weeks on the row when we’ve been on the back foot going into the last halfhours of games and they’ve pulled us through.”